Bartolo Colon signs, wants another shot at World Series

HIGHLIGHTS

Righthander can start and relieve and is a good influence

Jeurys Familia: “I rely on him so much”

Bartolo Colon passed his physical and officially has re-signed with the Mets, the team announced.

The Mets also went to the trouble of detailing why they wanted to bring back Colon. Not just for what he brings when he’s on the mound — 14-13 with a 4.16 ERA in the regular season and yeoman work out of the bullpen in the postseason — but for what he means to the team’s younger pitchers.

In a news release announcing the signing, the first quote was from closer Jeurys Familia.

“I rely on him for so much,” Familia said. “I try to talk to him every day, whether it is in the clubhouse or during batting practice. I’m glad he’s back with us again.”

After earning the Opening Day nod in 2015, olon — who signed for one year and $7.25 million — will enter the season as the Mets’ fifth starter. When Zack Wheeler returns from Tommy John surgery, Colon could end up as a swingman or even in the bullpen, where he excelled during the postseason, going 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA.

“I’ve had a great experience in New York,” Colon, who turns 43 in May, said through an interpreter. “The fans are great, being part of the postseason was great. I’ll do anything Terry wants me to do this year, start or relieve. I just want to help us get back to the World Series.”

The Mets also said Colon is working out “daily” with reliever Hansel Robles at Bartolo Colon Stadium in Atlamira, Dominican Republic. The Mets are looking for more bullpen help, but Robles could be a formidable weapon as he gains experience.

“Hansel had a great rookie season in the majors and he’s working hard now,” Colon was quoted as having said. “I expect him to be a key part of our bullpen this season.”

Among active pitchers, Colon is first in wins (218) and shutouts (13). Next season will be his 19th in the big leagues.